Brian's Caldercraft 1/72 HMS Victory

[Bri62]

Just some little tips for your planking. Firstly try to sand the edges of the hull profile formers (ribs) so that they correspond to the curvature of the hull. This is important at the stern and around the bows. Some people even fill in the gaps between the stern ribs and the bow ribs with some blocks of balsa wood sanded to the round form of the hull. This helps the planks to stick more solidly where the curvature is at its greatest.

Just take it slowly and I am sure you will have no problems.

Thanks John, been reading up on it also watching some you tube hopefully all will go well

[Jim R]

Good progress. There's a guy on YouTube called Harry Houdini. Can be a bit annoying at times but he has some excellent videos on planking.

[Bri62]

Thanks Jim I'll have a look

[Neil Merryweather]

It's all looking distinctly ship-shape Brian!

[Bri62]

Cheers Neil things will slow now I'm on to the planking just bought this to help.



did a bit of sanding and filling and I know you won't see this but apparently its very important to get the correct shape at this stage.

[Gern]

The rate you're goin' with this Brian, your missus ain't gonna be well pleased! I 'spect she thought it'd keep you out of her hair for at least a couple of years. Now it's lookin' like you'll be finished by Xmas!

PS Can you let us know how good that cutter is? I tried one a few years ago and every time I tried to cut anything thicker than 1mm the blade bent and I ended up with curved cuts. To be fair though, it was only a cheap thing so maybe yours will be better.

[Bri62]

The gap between panel and rib on the bottom is not tight enough so having to close it up so the planks fit flush, this is where all the time goes

[Bri62]

Can you let us know how good that cutter is?

Dave 2mm planks cut like butter and dead clean same with sprue, replacement blades and mat a bit on the expensive side mat = £6.99 Blades = £2.99 each :sad: got some from aliexpress £ 1.99

[Jim R]

Good progress indeed. Taking extra care at this stage will be time well spent.
I have a very similar cutter to yours. I bought it to replace a cheap one which, as Dave found, was pretty useless. The much more solid and more expensive one works well.

[Bri62]

After a fair bit of prep the first plank laid down, I need to alternate one port one stbd, will make a start proper tomorrow.

[Jim R]

the first plank laid down

the first of many, many, many more :smiling:

[Ian M]

After a fair bit of prep the first plank laid down, I need to alternate one port one stbd, will make a start proper tomorrow.

I think you might want to consider fairing the line of the ribs more before you start planking. The surfaces of all the ribs should be able to give a smooth line stem to stern so all the planks sit in full contact with the rib and not just a bit of it. You will end up with wonky planks that will need sanding and filling from now 'til next year.A 12" length of 1/2 ply with a good sandpaper for wood shot stem to stern across all the ribs should sort them.

[Bri62]

I have laid the planks along the length and the only ribs that need doing are the first 4 and last 3 and on them there is full contact :smiling3: all the planked hull is coppered with copper tiles anyway

[Bri62]

Morning really taking my time and just done 4 planks 2 port 2 stbd, doing then in small stages so it doesn't become a chore.

[Mickc1440]

Such patience, looking great